Death might be the final curtain call, but for some prominent celebrities, it is just the beginning of a money-spinning phase. It’s evident from these celebrities who have left a lasting impression on our hearts and culture that their influence and wealth are still as strong as ever. Welcome to the world of 2023’s richest dead celebrities, where fame and fortune refuse to rest in peace.
This year’s dead celebrity ranking from Forbes includes pretax earnings from sales, streams, licensing deals and other sources between October 1, 2022, and September 30, 2023, as well as estate acquisitions made or announced during the same period.
Michael Jackson
With a total earning of $115million (₦111,550,000,000), the King of Pop has reclaimed the top spot of the highest-earning dead celebrities list. This remarkable comeback is largely attributed to the success of the Broadway hit MJ: The Musical, which grossed about $85 million (₦82,450,000,000) in ticket sales over the past year. Additionally, Jackson’s estate also received millions from the Cirque du Soleil show, Michael Jackson ONE, performed in Las Vegas.
The anticipation of an upcoming biopic about his life suggests that Jackson’s earnings will continue to rise. Notably, in 2016, Michael Jackson earned $825 million (₦800,250,000,000) the highest annual earnings for a celebrity dead or alive. Since his death in mid-2009, he has topped the list every year except for 2009, 2012,2021 and 2022.
Elvis Presley
Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock and Roll, widely known for his hit song “Can’t help falling in love with you”, secures the second spot on the list with an earning of $100million (₦97,000,000,000). Graceland, Presley’s home in Memphis, Tennessee, attracted 600,000 visitors in the last one year.The estate generates income through various channels, including ticket sales and merchandise.
Ray Manzarek
Ray Manzarek, the keyboard player of the band, The Doors, together with the guitarist who is still alive, sold the rights to the band’s music to a company called Primary Wake. This right included everything related to the band’s music. As a result, Ray Manzarek secured the third spot on the list of highest-earning deceased celebrities in 2023, with a total earning of $45 million (₦43,650,000,000).
Dr. Seuss
Theodor Seuss Geisel was an American children’s author and cartoonist. He ranks as the fourth richest deceased celebrity with an earning of $40 million (₦38,800,000,000).His income for the year was primarily generated by selling both his old books and newer releases like “How the Grinch Lost Christmas” to children. Additionally, he earned money by allowing others to use his famous characters, such as the Grinch and the Cat in the Hat.
Charles M. Schulz
Charles Monroe “Sparky” Schulz, was an American cartoonist and the creator of the comic strip Peanuts.The Schulz estate made money in several ways, such as partnership with Apple and collaborations. In the past twelve months, he made a total of $30 million (₦29,100,000,000).
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Prince
Prince Rogers Nelson was an American singer, songwriter, musician, record producer, and actor. He also made a total of $30 million (₦29,100,000,000) in earnings. His earnings came from existing music, posthumous albums, unreleased songs and never-before-seen concert footage.
Whitney Houston
Whitney Houston secured her spot as the seventh highest-earning dead celebrity with an earning of $30 million (₦29,100,000,000). Her earnings came from the movie Whitney Houston: I Wanna Dance With Somebody which grossed nearly $60 million (₦58,200,000,000) worldwide in December and the make up collection from MAC cosmetics with the Houston Estate.
John Lennon
John Winston Ono Lennon was an English singer, songwriter, musician and peace activist who gained worldwide fame as the founder, co-songwriter, co-lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist of the Beatles. With an earning of $22 million (₦21,340,000,000), he is the eight richest dead celebrity. Lennon earned steady royalties from his individual music catalog as well as his share from Beatles music.
Bob Marley
In 2023, Bob Marley, a Jamaican singer, musician, and songwriter, earned a total of $16 million (₦15,520,000,000). His earnings came from his music, which people still love even after forty years since his passing, and from allowing companies to use his name and images on products like headphones, speakers, shoes, and even cannabis.
Bing Crosby
The American singer, actor, television producer, television and radio personality and businessman still receives royalties from his music catalog and the use of his songs. He earned a total of $14 million (₦13,580,000,000) in 2023.
Other notable celebrities on the list are: George Harrison,who earned $14 million(₦13,580,000,000), Arnold Palmer, with $10 million (₦9,700,000,000) and Marilyn Monroe, with also $10 million (₦9,700,000,000).
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